Bangladesh Grapples with Deluge of Disinformation from Indian Media Outlets, Sparking Communal Tensions and Political Instability
The digital age has brought with it the insidious rise of disinformation, a phenomenon that has become a global concern. In Bangladesh, this issue has reached alarming proportions, particularly following the political transition in August. A network of media outlets and groups linked to India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been identified as a major source of fabricated news stories targeting Bangladesh, often focusing on the sensitive issue of minority affairs. This orchestrated campaign, characterized by the spread of misleading videos, manipulated images, and fabricated narratives, has exacerbated communal tensions within Bangladesh and poses a significant threat to the nation’s political stability.
Independent fact-checking organizations in Bangladesh, such as Rumour Scanner, have meticulously documented the extent of this disinformation campaign. Their investigations reveal a pattern of meticulously crafted fake news originating from at least 49 India-based media outlets between August and December. These fabricated stories, often amplified through social media platforms like Facebook, have incited real-world violence and sowed discord within Bangladeshi communities. A striking example is a video falsely depicting a temple attack in Bangladesh, which was later proven to have been filmed in India during a religious procession. This deliberate manipulation of information underscores the malicious intent behind the disinformation campaign, aimed at undermining social harmony and destabilizing Bangladesh.
The role of social media giants, particularly Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has come under intense scrutiny. Given Meta’s immense influence over online information dissemination, the Bangladeshi government has called upon the company to take decisive action against the proliferation of fake news. The sheer scale of disinformation emanating from Indian sources necessitates urgent intervention from Meta to prevent further escalation of communal tensions. The government’s appeal emphasizes the critical need for Meta to uphold its responsibility in protecting the right to reliable information, a fundamental right increasingly threatened by the unchecked spread of fabricated content.
The situation has been further complicated by specific incidents that have heightened tensions between Bangladesh and India. The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson for a Hindu nationalist organization, on charges of sedition has become a flashpoint. The subsequent attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, India, by a group affiliated with another Hindu nationalist organization, has further inflamed the situation. The manner in which some Indian media outlets have reported on these incidents, amplifying unsubstantiated claims and propagating biased narratives, has contributed to the escalation of mistrust and animosity.
The Bangladeshi government is actively exploring avenues to address this complex challenge. While international legal frameworks for combating disinformation remain underdeveloped, Bangladesh is considering leveraging existing international agreements, such as the 1981 UNGA Declaration on the Inadmissibility of Intervention, to hold India accountable for the actions of its media outlets. This declaration, endorsed by both Bangladesh and India, explicitly prohibits states from engaging in hostile propaganda aimed at interfering in the internal affairs of another state. The government’s efforts underscore the seriousness with which it views the disinformation campaign and its determination to protect its sovereignty and internal stability.
In the long term, Bangladesh is considering strengthening its domestic legal framework by ratifying international treaties such as the 1936 International Convention on the Use of Broadcasting in the Cause of Peace and the 1953 Convention on the International Right of Correction. These conventions provide legal mechanisms to counter defamatory campaigns and hostile propaganda. In addition to pursuing international legal avenues, the government is also engaging in diplomatic efforts with the Indian government, urging them to take action against the media outlets spreading disinformation. This diplomatic engagement is crucial for fostering dialogue and cooperation between the two countries to address the root causes of the disinformation campaign and prevent further escalation of tensions. Furthermore, Bangladesh is bolstering its domestic capacity to combat disinformation. This includes strengthening fact-checking initiatives, promoting media literacy among citizens, and developing mechanisms for rapid response to counter false narratives. These multifaceted efforts reflect the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens from the harmful effects of disinformation and ensuring their right to access reliable information. The ongoing disinformation campaign poses a significant threat to Bangladesh’s social cohesion and political stability. The government’s proactive approach, involving diplomatic engagement, exploration of international legal frameworks, and strengthening domestic capabilities, represents a determined effort to address this complex challenge and protect its citizens from the insidious effects of fake news.